IPL 2022 | Dinesh Karthik could be great fit for Indian side - Simon Doull

Dinesh Karthik has been nothing short of subliminal in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The wicket-keeper batter has nailed the finisher’s role to perfection this season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring 197 runs for his side with a staggering strike rate of 209.57.

With the current form Karthik has been displaying over the past few weeks, fans and critics alike believe that the player deserves to be picked for the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2022. 

While there are concerns about how Dinesh would fit into the team since the Indian squad already has an established wicket-keeper, Rishab Pant and his backup KL Rahul, it would be a grave injustice to DK to miss out on a spot after making a bold impression with his performance.

Karthik last played for India in 2019 at the ODI World Cup, where the team lost in the semi-finals in New Zealand. Later, Royal Challengers Bangalore picked Karthik for a whopping INR 5.5 crore.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that Dinesh Karthik deserves a place in India’s T20 squad.

“I was thinking about DK going to Australia later on this year. India have got Rishab Pant and KL Rahul as the backup keeper. You can’t take DK! Maybe he now goes into the team as a backup batter. He can bat at number six or seven. Even number 5. He is playing well and with so much confidence at the moment.” – Simon Doull

The former Black Cap also expressed that currently, DK is among the best performers in the ongoing edition of the tournament,

“Rahul Tewatia will have a few words about that (laughs). But Karthik is right up there. He’s got all the skills to play when his team is in trouble and find boundaries as well. I think that’s the difference between some of the other batters and DK at present,” said Doull.

Karthik has affirmed that he has been working tirelessly to make his way into the Indian squad,

“I must admit that I have a bigger goal. I have been working really hard. My aim is to do something special for the country. This is part of my journey. I have been trying to be a part of the Indian team.” 

With his striking form in the IPL, Karthik has mustered the attention of peers and officials. He came out unbeatable in five out of six matches he played for RCB, proving himself a solid finisher that the Indian squad desperately needs.